Sex Education in America

Toplines HARVARD UNIVERSITY JOHN F. KENNEDY SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT National Public Radio/Kaiser Family Foundation/Kennedy School of Government Sex Education in America General Public/Parents Survey January 2004

Methodology The NPR/Kaiser Family Foundation/Kennedy School National Survey on Sex Education is part of an ongoing project of National Public Radio, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, and Harvard University s Kennedy School of Government. Representatives of the three sponsors worked together to develop the survey questionnaire and to analyze the results, with NPR maintaining sole editorial control over its broadcasts on the surveys. The project team includes: From NPR: Marcus D. Rosenbaum, Senior Editor; Susan Davis, Associate Editor; Ellen Guettler, Assistant Editor. From the Kaiser Family Foundation: Drew Altman, President and Chief Executive Officer; Matt James, Senior Vice President of Media and Public Education and Executive Director of kaisernetwork.org; Mollyann Brodie, Vice President, Director of Public Opinion and Media Research; and Rebecca Levin, Research Associate. From the Kennedy School: Robert J. Blendon, a Harvard University professor who holds joint appointments in the School of Public Health and the Kennedy School of Government; Stephen R. Pelletier, Research Coordinator for the Harvard Opinion Research Program; John M. Benson, Managing Director of the Harvard Opinion Research Program; and Elizabeth Mackie, Research Associate. The results of this project are based on two nationwide telephone surveys: a survey of the general public and a survey of principals. The survey of the general public was conducted among a random nationally representative sample of 1,759 respondents 18 years of age or older, including an oversample of parents of children in 7 th through 12 th grade which resulted in interviews with 1001 parents. Statistical results for the total survey were weighted to be representative of the national population. The margin of sampling error for the survey is plus or minus 3 percentage points for total respondents and plus or minus 4.7 percentage points for parents. The survey of principals was conducted among 303 principals of public middle, junior, and senior high schools across the country. Schools were randomly and proportionally selected from a national database of public schools by type of school (middle, junior, and senior high). Statistical results were weighted to be representative of public middle, junior, and senior high schools in the United States based on geographic region and type of residential area (urban, suburban, nonmetropolitan). The margin of sampling error for the survey is plus or minus 6 percentage points for total respondents. For results based on subsets of respondents the margin of error is higher. Princeton Survey Research Associates conducted the fieldwork for both surveys between September and October, 2003. Note that sampling error is only one of many potential sources of error in this or any other public opinion poll. An asterisk (*) indicates a response of less than 1%. The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to providing information and analysis on health care issues to policymakers, the media, the health care community, and the general public. The Foundation is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries.

NOTE: Responses of parents with 7 th - 8 th graders, and parents of 9 th 12 th graders are broken out of the total and presented separately. Q1 What do you think is the most important problem facing teens today? (OPEN-ENDED) 30 26 29 Use of alcohol or other illegal drugs 4 6 4 Academics, getting an education 8 6 6 Sex, promiscuity 2 3 2 Unwanted pregnancy 2 1 1 HIV/AIDS, STDs 1 2 1 Violence 6 6 6 Broken families, family values, bad parenting 2 4 1 Lack of discipline 4 4 5 Lack of moral values, character 1 0 2 Lack of religion 1 2 2 Lack of direction, boredom, apathy 3 2 2 Media influence 16 27 24 Peer pressure/relations with peers 1 1 2 Stress, mental health 2 2 1 Lack of awareness, knowledge, information 1 1 1 Having to grow up too fast 5 3 6 Other 10 4 5 Don t know * 0 * Refused Q2 I am going to read you a list of issues that teens today may face. For each one, please tell me how big a problem you think it is for teens in general a major problem, a minor problem, or not a problem at all. The first is (Insert). Is this a major problem, a minor problem, or not a problem at all? Items were rotated a suicide 46 43 50 Major problem 46 50 44 Minor problem 4 4 4 Not a problem at all 4 4 2 Don t know b unwanted pregnancy 73 74 69 Major problem 23 23 29 Minor problem 1 1 * Not a problem at all 2 2 2 Don t know

c getting HIV/AIDS 65 57 60 Major problem 31 38 36 Minor problem 2 2 2 Not a problem at all 3 3 2 Don t know 3 d poor academic performance 60 58 57 Major problem 33 39 38 Minor problem 3 1 4 Not a problem at all 4 2 1 Don t know * 0 * Refused e getting sexually transmitted diseases STDs other than HIV/AIDS 70 62 70 Major problem 25 33 27 Minor problem 2 2 1 Not a problem at all 3 4 2 Don t know f violence 71 67 66 Major problem 26 29 31 Minor problem 2 1 1 Not a problem at all 2 3 2 Don t know * * 0 Refused g use of alcohol or other illegal drugs 87 86 86 Major problem 11 12 13 Minor problem 1 1 1 Not a problem at all 1 1 * Don t know 3

Q3 You said (INSERT MAJOR PROBLEM ITEMS) were major problems. Which one is the biggest problem? Based on those with more than one major problem 4 6 4 Suicide 9 12 6 Unwanted pregnancy 8 9 9 Getting HIV/AIDS 6 7 9 Poor academic performance 4 2 3 Getting sexually transmitted diseases STDs other than HIV/AIDS 13 10 13 Violence 48 48 52 Use of alcohol or other illegal drugs 6 5 4 Don t know * 0 1 Refused n=1641 n=306 n=449 4 Q4 Do you think it is morally wrong for unmarried adults to engage in sexual intercourse or not? 50 39 49 Yes 46 60 49 No 3 1 2 Don t know 1 0 0 Refused n=857 n=155 n=225 Q5 Do you think it is a SIN for unmarried adults to engage in sexual intercourse or not? Asked of respondents who believe sexual intercourse between unmarried adults is morally wrong 83 NA 87 Yes 13 NA 12 No 4 NA 1 Don t know 1 NA 0 Refused n=416 n=73 n=107 NOTE: Data is not available for subgroups with sample sizes under 100 respondents. Q6 Do you think it is morally wrong for unmarried teens to engage in sexual intercourse, or not? 63 63 67 Yes 35 26 31 No 2 11 2 Don t know n=902 n=180 n=261 4

Q7 Do you think it is a SIN for unmarried teens to engage in sexual intercourse, or not? Asked of respondents who believe sexual intercourse between unmarried teens is morally wrong 77 76 77 Yes 20 21 22 No 2 4 1 Don t know n=559 n=119 n=172 5 Now I d like to ask you some questions about sex education classes or sessions in schools in your community. These are any classes or talks in school that discuss relationships, the basics of human reproduction, abstinence, AIDS, pregnancy prevention, and the like. [IF RESPONDENT ASKS ABOUT LENGTH OF CLASS: These topics may have been taught in a separate sex education course, as part of another course, like health or science, or as independent lessons in the school auditorium or gym. ] Q8 How important do you think it is to have sex education as part of the school curriculum? Very important, somewhat important, not too important, or do you think sex education should not be taught at all in schools? 69 72 72 Very important 21 21 19 Somewhat important 2 2 2 Not too important 7 4 6 Not taught at all 1 1 1 Don t know Q9 Is it your impression that there has been more debate or controversy in your community over sex education during the last few years, or not? 29 24 29 Yes, more debate 54 68 61 No 18 8 10 Don t know 5

Q10 How effective do you think the sex education in schools is in helping teens (Insert)? Very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective, or not effective at all, or don t you know enough to say? Items were rotated a avoid getting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases 24 27 20 Very effective 44 50 52 Somewhat effective 12 11 13 Not too effective 7 4 7 Not effective at all 13 7 9 Don t know 6 b avoid pregnancy 15 18 13 Very effective 47 55 53 Somewhat effective 16 13 19 Not too effective 11 8 10 Not effective at all 11 5 5 Don t know c postpone having sexual intercourse 11 11 12 Very effective 35 42 40 Somewhat effective 22 22 24 Not too effective 19 17 18 Not effective at all 13 7 7 Don t know * 1 0 Refused d make responsible decisions about sex 17 17 20 Very effective 44 54 48 Somewhat effective 18 16 18 Not too effective 10 5 9 Not effective at all 12 7 5 Don t know 6

Q11 As you may know, there are different approaches to teaching about sex and sexuality in the schools. Which of the following two statements comes closer to your views? Responses were read 47 53 48 Statement 1: When it comes to sex, teenagers need to have limits set, they must be told what is acceptable and what is not 51 45 48 Statement 2: Ultimately teenagers need to make their own decisions, so their education needs to be more in the form of providing information and guidance 2 1 3 Don t know * * 1 Refused 7 Q12 In order for a school to get money from the federal government for one sex education program, the law requires that the exclusive purpose of the program be to teach the benefits of abstaining from sexual activity. Which of the following statements comes closer to your view? Responses were read 30 24 32 Statement 1: The federal government should fund sex education programs that have abstaining from sexual activity as their only purpose 67 72 65 Statement 2: The money should be used to fund more comprehensive sex education programs that include information on how to obtain and use condoms and other contraceptives 3 3 2 Don t know * 1 * Refused Q13 Please tell me whether you agree or disagree with each of THESE statements. Items were rotated a Abstinence from sexual activity outside marriage is the expected standard for all schoolage children. 62 68 65 Agree 36 27 34 Disagree 2 4 1 Don t know * 1 0 Refused b Sexual activity outside of marriage is likely to have harmful psychological and physical effects. 57 59 58 Agree 41 38 39 Disagree 2 2 3 Don t know * 1 0 Refused 7

Q14 Earlier we asked you a question about abstinence from sexual activity outside of marriage as the expected standard for school aged children. How were you defining the word abstinence? Did you include abstaining from (Insert)? a sexual intercourse 95 94 95 Include 3 3 4 Not include 2 3 1 Don t know 8 b oral sex 89 91 90 Include 10 7 9 Not include 1 2 1 Don t know * * * Refused c intimate touching 63 63 63 Include 35 35 35 Not include 1 1 1 Don t know * 1 * Refused d passionate kissing 40 31 42 Include 59 68 57 Not include 2 1 1 Don t know * * * Refused e masturbation 44 33 44 Include 51 60 53 Not include 5 6 2 Don t know * 1 * Refused Q15 If sex education is taught, do you think sex education should be required for students, or should it be optional? 66 70 65 Required 32 29 33 Optional 2 1 2 Don t know * * 0 Refused 8

Q16 I am going to ask you about certain things that might be included in sex education programs in schools. After I read each topic, please tell me whether you think it is an appropriate topic for middle school students that is, grades 6, 7, and 8 high school students that is, grades 9 through 12 both age groups, or neither age group. a The basics of how babies are made, pregnancy, and birth 96 99 97 Appropriate (NET) 14 13 12 Appropriate topic for middle school students 13 11 11 Appropriate topic for high school students 69 75 73 Appropriate topic for both age groups 3 * 3 Not appropriate topic for either age group 1 1 * Don t know 9 b HIV/AIDS 98 100 99 Appropriate (NET) 9 9 7 Appropriate topic for middle school students 11 10 9 Appropriate topic for high school students 78 81 83 Appropriate topic for both age groups 1 * 1 Not appropriate topic for either age group * 0 * Don t know c Sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, such as herpes 98 100 98 Appropriate (NET) 9 8 7 Appropriate topic for middle school students 15 13 14 Appropriate topic for high school students 75 79 77 Appropriate topic for both age groups 1 * 2 Not appropriate topic for either age group 1 * * Don t know d Birth control and methods of preventing pregnancy 94 95 93 Appropriate (NET) 8 5 5 Appropriate topic for middle school students 29 35 28 Appropriate topic for high school students 57 54 60 Appropriate topic for both age groups 5 5 7 Not appropriate topic for either age group 1 * * Don t know 9

e How to use and where to get contraceptives 87 88 85 Appropriate (NET) 5 4 3 Appropriate topic for middle school students 37 42 37 Appropriate topic for high school students 44 42 44 Appropriate topic for both age groups 12 11 16 Not appropriate topic for either age group 1 * * Don t know 10 f Waiting to have sexual intercourse until older 95 97 96 Appropriate (NET) 10 8 7 Appropriate topic for middle school students 12 11 11 Appropriate topic for high school students 73 79 77 Appropriate topic for both age groups 4 2 4 Not appropriate topic for either age group 1 1 1 Don t know g How to get tested for HIV and other STDs 94 97 96 Appropriate (NET) 5 5 5 Appropriate topic for middle school students 33 37 34 Appropriate topic for high school students 56 55 56 Appropriate topic for both age groups 4 4 4 Not appropriate topic for either age group 2 * 1 Don t know h How to deal with the emotional issues and consequences of being sexually active 94 95 96 Appropriate (NET) 7 7 4 Appropriate topic for middle school students 23 23 18 Appropriate topic for high school students 64 65 75 Appropriate topic for both age groups 5 5 4 Not appropriate topic for either age group 2 0 0 Don t know n=857 n=155 n=225 10

i Waiting to have sexual intercourse until married 93 95 94 Appropriate (NET) 8 11 4 Appropriate topic for middle school students 13 7 13 Appropriate topic for high school students 72 77 77 Appropriate topic for both age groups 7 5 5 Not appropriate topic for either age group * 0 * Don t know n=857 n=155 n=225 11 j How to talk with a girlfriend/boyfriend or partner about how far to go sexually 93 95 94 Appropriate (NET) 6 6 3 Appropriate topic for middle school students 23 22 21 Appropriate topic for high school students 63 67 69 Appropriate topic for both age groups 6 5 5 Not appropriate topic for either age group 1 * 1 Don t know * 0 * Refused n=857 n=155 n=225 k How to put on a condom 83 83 79 Appropriate (NET) 5 5 1 Appropriate topic for middle school students 38 38 36 Appropriate topic for high school students 40 40 41 Appropriate topic for both age groups 15 17 21 Not appropriate topic for either age group 2 0 0 Don t know * 0 * Refused n=857 n=155 n=225 l Masturbation 77 81 76 Appropriate (NET) 8 6 4 Appropriate topic for middle school students 22 28 20 Appropriate topic for high school students 47 47 51 Appropriate topic for both age groups 19 18 24 Not appropriate topic for either age group 4 1 * Don t know 1 0 0 Refused n=857 n=155 n=225 11

m How to talk with parents about sex and relationship issues 97 98 98 Appropriate (NET) 12 7 11 Appropriate topic for middle school students 8 7 5 Appropriate topic for high school students 77 84 81 Appropriate topic for both age groups 2 * 2 Not appropriate topic for either age group 1 2 0 Don t know n=902 n=180 n=261 12 n Abortion 85 91 83 Appropriate (NET) 5 3 6 Appropriate topic for middle school students 30 44 30 Appropriate topic for high school students 50 44 46 Appropriate topic for both age groups 13 9 14 Not appropriate topic for either age group 2 1 3 Don t know n=902 n=180 n=261 o How to make responsible sexual choices based on individual values 91 98 89 Appropriate (NET) 9 6 7 Appropriate topic for middle school students 21 26 17 Appropriate topic for high school students 61 65 66 Appropriate topic for both age groups 8 3 10 Not appropriate topic for either age group 1 1 * Don t know n=902 n=180 n=261 p That teens can obtain birth control pills from family planning clinics and doctors without permission from a parent 71 71 73 Appropriate (NET) 3 2 3 Appropriate topic for middle school students 40 53 38 Appropriate topic for high school students 28 16 31 Appropriate topic for both age groups 28 29 26 Not appropriate topic for either age group 1 * 1 Don t know * * 0 Refused n=902 n=180 n=261 12

q Homosexuality and sexual orientation that is, being gay, lesbian or bisexual 73 80 73 Appropriate (NET) 5 3 6 Appropriate topic for middle school students 24 41 23 Appropriate topic for high school students 44 35 45 Appropriate topic for both age groups 25 20 25 Not appropriate topic for either age group 2 1 1 Don t know * 0 * Refused n=902 n=180 n=261 13 r Oral sex 71 65 73 Appropriate (NET) 4 * 5 Appropriate topic for middle school students 29 36 30 Appropriate topic for high school students 39 30 37 Appropriate topic for both age groups 27 32 26 Not appropriate topic for either age group 2 1 1 Don t know * 0 * Refused n=902 n=180 n=261 Q17 What do you think schools should teach about homosexuality? Should schools teach that homosexuality is wrong, that homosexuality is acceptable, only what homosexuality is without discussing whether it is wrong or acceptable, or should schools not discuss homosexuality at all? 18 12 17 Teach that homosexuality is wrong 8 4 8 Teach that homosexuality is acceptable 52 66 54 Teach only what homosexuality is without discussing whether it is wrong or acceptable 19 16 18 Schools should not discuss homosexuality at all 3 2 2 Don t know * * * Refused 13

Q18 [You said earlier that sex education should not be taught at all in schools, but if it is to be taught] Which of the following three statements is closest to your view about the best way to teach sex education? 15 14 16 Statement 1: Abstinence from sexual intercourse is best for teens. Sex ed classes should not provide information about how to obtain and use condoms and other contraception. 46 49 54 Statement 2: Abstinence from sexual intercourse is best for teens, but some teens do not abstain, so sex ed classes should provide information about condoms and other contraception. 36 36 30 Statement 3: Abstinence from sexual intercourse is not the most important thing. Sex ed classes should focus on teaching teens how to make responsible decisions about sex. 3 2 * Don t know 14 Q19 To what age do you think boys should wait before having sexual intercourse until they are 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, or until they are married? [IF SAYS DEPENDS ON THE INDIVIDUAL: Of course, but in general to what age do you think boys should wait] (ONLY ACCEPT depends IF THE RESPONDENT INSISTS) * 0 1 Until they are 12 2 0 1 Until they are 14 11 2 5 Until they are 16 31 36 41 Until they are 18 9 13 7 Until they are 21 44 48 42 Until they are married 1 1 2 Depends on the boy (VOL) 2 * 1 Don t know * * * Refused n=857 n=155 n=225 Q20 Do you think most boys will actually wait that long or will most have sexual intercourse earlier? Asked of respondents who responded to previous question 11 11 6 Wait 84 87 91 Earlier 4 2 3 Don t know * 1 0 Refused n=824 n=149 n=215 14

Q19/20 Combo Table Boys-Sexual Intercourse To what age do you think boys should wait before having sexual intercourse? Do you think most boys will actually wait that long or will most have sexual intercourse earlier? TOTAL * Until they are 12 - Among those who say 12, say boys will wait until 12 - Among those who say 12, say boys will have intercourse earlier 2 Until they are 14 - Among those who say 14, say boys will wait until 14 - Among those who say 14, say boys will have intercourse earlier 11 Until they are 16 - Among those who say 16, say boys will wait until 16 - Among those who say 16, say boys will have intercourse earlier 31 Until they are 18 10 Among those who say 18, say boys will wait until 18 88 Among those who say 18, say boys will have intercourse earlier 9 Until they are 21 - Among those who say 21, say boys will wait until 21 - Among those who say 21, say boys will have intercourse earlier 44 Until they are married 3 Among those who say marriage, say boys will wait until they re married 91 Among those who say marriage, say boys will have intercourse earlier 1 Depends on the boy (VOL) 2 Don t know/refused 15 NOTE: Data is not available for subgroups with sample sizes under 100 respondents. Don t know/refused responses not shown for subgroups. 15

Q21a And what about oral sex? To what age do you think boys should wait before they experience that until they are 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, or until they are married or never? [IF SAYS DEPENDS ON THE INDIVIDUAL: Of course, but in general to what age do you think boys should wait] (ONLY ACCEPT depends IF THE RESPONDENT INSISTS) 16 1 1 1 Until they are 12 2 1 0 Until they are 14 10 2 6 Until they are 16 25 31 33 Until they are 18 7 11 7 Until they are 21 33 48 42 Until they are married 16 4 6 Never 1 1 2 Depends on the boy (VOL) 4 * 3 Don t know 1 * 1 Refused n=857 n=155 n=225 Q21b Do you think most boys will actually wait that long or will most have oral sex earlier? Asked of respondents who responded to previous question 12 12 11 Wait 80 82 84 Earlier 8 6 5 Don t know * 1 0 Refused n=797 n=148 n=208 16

Q21a/21b Combo Table Boys-Oral Sex To what age do you think boys should wait before they experience oral sex? Do you think most boys will actually wait that long or will most have oral sex earlier? TOTAL 1 Until they are 12 - Among those who say 12, say boys will wait until 12 - Among those who say 12, say boys will have oral sex earlier 2 Until they are 14 - Among those who say 14, say boys will wait until 14 - Among those who say 14, say boys will have oral sex earlier 10 Until they are 16 - Among those who say 16, say boys will wait until 16 - Among those who say 16, say boys will have oral sex earlier 25 Until they are 18 10 Among those who say 18, say boys will wait until 18 88 Among those who say 18, say boys will have oral sex earlier 7 Until they are 21 - Among those who say 21, say boys will wait until 21 - Among those who say 21, say boys will have oral sex earlier 33 Until they are married 5 Among those who say marriage, say boys will wait until they re married 89 Among those who say marriage, say boys will have oral sex earlier 16 Never 3 Among those who say never, say boys will never have oral sex 70 Among those who say never, say boys will have oral sex 1 Depends on the boy (VOL) 5 Don t know/refused 17 NOTE: Data is not available for subgroups with sample sizes under 100 respondents. Don t know/refused responses not shown for subgroups. 17

Q22 To what age do you think girls should wait before having sexual intercourse until they are 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, or until they are married? [IF SAYS DEPENDS ON THE INDIVIDUAL: Of course, but in general to what age do you think girls should wait] (ONLY ACCEPT depends IF THE RESPONDENT INSISTS) 0 0 0 Until they are 12 1 0 0 Until they are 14 7 3 5 Until they are 16 33 35 35 Until they are 18 8 13 8 Until they are 21 47 48 51 Until they are married 2 * 1 Depends on the girl (VOL) 1 1 0 Don t know * * * Refused n=902 n=180 n=261 18 Q23 Do you think most girls will actually wait that long or will most have sexual intercourse earlier? Asked of respondents who responded to previous question 10 6 7 Wait 85 91 91 Earlier 5 3 3 Don t know n=875 n=175 n=256 18

Q22/23 Combo Table Girls-Sexual Intercourse To what age do you think girls should wait before having sexual intercourse? Do you think most girls will actually wait that long or will most have sexual intercourse earlier? TOTAL 0 Until they are 12 - Among those who say 12, say girls will wait until 12 - Among those who say 12, say girls will have intercourse earlier 1 Until they are 14 - Among those who say 14, say girls will wait until 14 - Among those who say 14, say girls will have intercourse earlier 7 Until they are 16 - Among those who say 16, say girls will wait until 16 - Among those who say 16, say girls will have intercourse earlier 33 Until they are 18 10 Among those who say 18, say girls will wait until 18 85 Among those who say 18, say girls will have intercourse earlier 8 Until they are 21 - Among those who say 21, say girls will wait until 21 - Among those who say 21, say girls will have intercourse earlier 47 Until they are married 7 Among those who say marriage, say girls will wait until they re married 89 Among those who say marriage, say girls will have intercourse earlier 2 Depends on the girl (VOL) 1 Don t know/refused 19 NOTE: Data is not available for subgroups with sample sizes under 100 respondents. Don t know/refused responses not shown for subgroups. 19

Q24a And what about oral sex? To what age do you think girls should wait before they experience that until they are 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, or until they are married or never? [IF SAYS DEPENDS ON THE INDIVIDUAL: Of course, but in general to what age do you think girls should wait] (ONLY ACCEPT depends IF THE RESPONDENT INSISTS) * 0 0 Until they are 12 1 0 0 Until they are 14 7 3 5 Until they are 16 27 34 25 Until they are 18 8 11 8 Until they are 21 35 40 46 Until they are married 18 6 13 Never 2 1 1 Depends on the girl (VOL) 2 5 1 Don t know * 1 0 Refused n=902 n=180 n=261 20 Q24b Do you think most girls will actually wait that long or will most have oral sex earlier? Asked of respondents who responded to previous question 10 10 11 Wait 78 80 81 Earlier 12 10 9 Don t know N=865 n=171 n=253 20

Q24a/24b Combo Table Girls-Oral Sex To what age do you think girls should wait before they experience oral sex? Do you think most girls will actually wait that long or will most have oral sex earlier? TOTAL * Until they are 12 - Among those who say 12, say girls will wait until 12 - Among those who say 12, say girls will have oral sex earlier 1 Until they are 14 - Among those who say 14, say girls will wait until 14 - Among those who say 14, say girls will have oral sex earlier 7 Until they are 16 - Among those who say 16, say girls will wait until 16 - Among those who say 16, say girls will have oral sex earlier 27 Until they are 18 8 Among those who say 18, say girls will wait until 18 86 Among those who say 18, say girls will have oral sex earlier 8 Until they are 21 - Among those who say 21, say girls will wait until 21 - Among those who say 21, say girls will have oral sex earlier 35 Until they are married 8 Among those who say marriage, say girls will wait until they re married 83 Among those who say marriage, say girls will have oral sex earlier 18 Never 4 Among those who say never, say girls will never have oral sex 67 Among those who say never, say girls will have oral sex 2 Depends on the girl (VOL) 2 Don t know/refused 21 NOTE: Data is not available for subgroups with sample sizes under 100 respondents. Don t know/refused responses not shown for subgroups. 21

Q25a Do you think that giving teens information about how to obtain and use condoms and other contraception encourages them to have sexual intercourse earlier than they would have or do you think giving teens this information will not encourage them to have sexual intercourse earlier? 39 37 38 Yes, will encourage them 55 57 58 No, will not encourage them 5 5 4 Don t know * 1 0 Refused 22 Q25b And do you think that giving teens information about how to obtain and use condoms and other contraception makes it more likely that they will practice safe sex now or in the future, or not. 77 82 84 More likely to practice safe sex 17 13 14 Not more likely to practice safe sex 6 5 2 Don t know * * 0 Refused Q25c What concerns you more: Responses were read and rotated 28 24 26 That providing information about how to obtain and use condoms and other contraception might encourage teens to have sexual intercourse 65 72 70 That not providing information about how to obtain and use condoms and other contraception might mean more teens will have unsafe sexual intercourse 7 3 4 Don t know 1 * * Refused Q26 About what percentage of 12 th graders do you think report they have had sexual intercourse 20%, 40%, 60% or 80%? 18 18 12 20% 22 30 27 40% 30 27 37 60% 24 22 18 80% 7 3 6 Don t know * * 0 Refused 22

Q27 In the last few years, would you say that the teen pregnancy rate in the United States has increased, decreased, stayed about the same, or don t you know enough to say? 35 26 34 Increased 15 18 18 Decreased 13 16 16 Stayed about the same 37 39 32 Don t know 23 Q28 [Actually, although many think it has increased] Statistics show that the teen pregnancy rate has decreased in the last few years. I am going to read you a list of possible reasons for this drop. Please tell me if you think each one is a major reason, a minor reason, or not a reason at all that the teen pregnancy rate in the United States has dropped in the past few years. First/Next (Insert). Items were rotated a fear of HIV/AIDS 70 73 70 Major reason 23 24 25 Minor reason 5 3 3 Not a reason at all 2 * 1 Don t know b changing moral values 44 45 39 Major reason 37 39 45 Minor reason 15 13 15 Not a reason at all 3 3 2 Don t know c comprehensive sex education programs that include information about contraception 62 62 64 Major reason 27 31 26 Minor reason 5 4 7 Not a reason at all 5 3 3 Don t know d abstinence education in schools 45 46 45 Major reason 40 40 43 Minor reason 10 11 9 Not a reason at all 5 4 4 Don t know 23

e news and entertainment programs about safer sex. 44 38 39 Major reason 40 52 43 Minor reason 11 9 17 Not a reason at all 5 2 2 Don t know 24 f public health campaigns 45 43 48 Major reason 41 47 39 Minor reason 9 5 10 Not a reason at all 5 4 2 Don t know * 1 0 Refused Q29a Do you have any children, even if they are not currently living in your household? 73 100 100 Yes 27 0 0 No 0 0 0 Don t know Q29b Do you have any children in grades kindergarten through 12 th grade? Based on those who have children Multiple responses accepted 52 100 100 Yes 48 0 0 No 0 0 0 Don t know n=1433 n=335 n=486 24

Q30 What grade or grades are they in? Based on those with one or more school-aged children Accepted multiple responses 12 8 4 Kindergarten 11 5 4 First grade 11 7 4 Second grade 12 9 4 Third grade 15 11 8 Fourth grade 12 14 4 Fifth grade 14 11 8 Sixth grade 9 55 3 Seventh grade 8 49 2 Eighth grade 17 6 36 Ninth grade 14 7 30 Tenth grade 14 5 29 Eleventh grade 12 3 25 Twelfth grade 1 0 0 Don t know 1 0 0 Refused n=1001 n=335 n=486 25 Q31 Is your child who is in the (INSERT GRADE LEVEL, IF MORE THAN ONE CHILD IN 7 TH -12 TH RANDOMLY SELECT GRADE) grade in public school, a religious or parochial school, or a non-religious private school? Based on those with one or more children in grades 7-12 86 85 86 Public school 10 10 10 Religious or parochial school 4 5 3 Non-religious private school 1 1 1 Don t know * * 0 Refused n=821 n=335 n=486 Q32 Is your (INSERT GRADE LEVEL SELECTED IN Q31) grade child a boy or a girl? Based on those with one or more children in grades 7-12 51 56 49 Boy 49 43 51 Girl * * 0 Refused n=821 n=335 n=486 25

Q33 Has your child who is in the (INSERT GRADE LEVEL SELECTED IN Q31) grade completed or is your child currently participating in a sex education course at school? Based on those with one or more children in grades 7-12 64 55 66 Yes 26 34 23 No 10 11 10 Don t know n=821 n=335 n=486 26 Q34 Has your child not had sex education in school because it isn t offered by the school, because you didn t give your child permission to participate, because sex education is offered but not for (INSERT GRADE LEVEL SELECTED IN Q31) graders, or is there some other reason? Based on those whose child has not completed and is not currently in a sex education course 42 39 43 Isn t offered by the school 8 2 10 You didn t give your child permission to participate 18 19 17 Sex education is offered but not for (insert current grade of child) graders 19 32 13 Some other reason 14 8 17 Don t know n=211 n=105 n=106 Q35 Does the school send parents a description of or have a meeting about the sex education curriculum telling them what topics would be covered, or does the school not send parents that information? Based on those with one or more children in grades 7-12 and does not say that sex ed is not offered by the school 63 58 64 The school sends parents a description of or has a meeting about the sex education curriculum telling them what topics would be covered 30 33 30 The school does not send parents that information 7 9 6 Don t know n=658 n=262 n=396 26

Q36 Overall, do you think the school of your (INSERT GRADE LEVEL SELECTED IN Q31) grade child spends too little time, too much time, or the right amount of time to teach sex ed properly? Based on those with one or more children in grades 7-12 and who do not say that sex ed is not offered by the school 34 28 36 Too little time 2 1 2 Too much time 49 53 48 The right amount of time 15 18 14 Don t know * 0 * Refused n=658 n=262 n=396 27 Q37 Do you feel that teachers in your child s school have received enough training to teach sex ed well or not? Based on those with one or more children in grades 7-12 and who do not say that sex ed is not offered by the school 40 45 38 Enough training 30 18 34 Not enough training 30 37 28 Don t know n=658 n=262 n=396 Q38 How well prepared do you feel your (INSERT GRADE LEVEL SELECTED IN Q31) grade child is to deal with sexual issues very prepared, somewhat prepared, not very prepared, or not at all prepared? Based on those with one or more children in grades 7-12 48 31 53 Very prepared 41 56 36 Somewhat prepared 7 6 8 Not very prepared 4 6 3 Not at all prepared 1 2 * Don t know n=821 n=335 n=486 27

Q39 Thinking about the sex education your child is receiving or has received in school, how much do you think it will help your child deal with sexual issues? Will it be very helpful, somewhat helpful, not very helpful, or not at all helpful? Based on those whose child has had or is currently in sex ed 42 45 41 Very helpful 51 47 52 Somewhat helpful 4 6 3 Not very helpful 3 * 4 Not at all helpful 1 1 1 Don t know n=530 n=199 n=331 28 Q40 I am going to read a few responses some parents have to the sex education in their children s schools. Please tell me if you agree or disagree. Items were rotated Based on those whose child has had or is currently in sex ed a I feel relieved that my child is receiving sex education at school so that I don t have to talk to my child about some of these sensitive issues. 14 16 14 Agree 85 82 85 Disagree 1 1 1 Don t know * 1 0 Refused n=530 n=199 n=331 b The school s sex education program raises subjects that I don t think my child should be discussing. 14 17 13 Agree 84 81 85 Disagree 2 3 2 Don t know n=530 n=199 n=331 c Sex education in school makes it easier for me to talk to my child about sexual issues. 82 88 80 Agree 16 11 18 Disagree 2 * 2 Don t know * * * Refused n=530 n=199 n=331 28

d My child s sex education class forces me to discuss sensitive sexual issues too early, before my child is ready. 10 10 10 Agree 89 89 89 Disagree 1 * 1 Don t know n=530 n=199 n=331 29 Q41 How much confidence do you have that sex education programs in your child s school teach attitudes and values similar to those you teach at home? Are you very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident or not confident at all? Based on those whose child has had or is currently in sex ed 26 25 26 Very confident 49 55 47 Somewhat confident 17 14 18 Not too confident 6 4 7 Not confident at all 2 1 3 Don t know n=530 n=199 n=331 Q42 Now I m going to read you a list of some sensitive subjects parents might talk about with their children. As I read each one, please tell me if you have discussed this topic with your own child who is in the (INSERT GRADE LEVEL SELECTED IN Q31) grade. Items were rotated Based on those whose child has had or is currently in sex ed a The biology of sex and pregnancy 86 83 87 Yes discussed 13 17 13 No did not discuss * 0 * Don t know * * 0 Refused n=530 n=199 n=331 b Avoiding sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS 87 67 92 Yes discussed 13 33 8 No did not discuss 0 0 0 Don t know * * 0 Refused n=530 n=199 n=331 29

c Issues about dating and relationships and becoming sexually active 88 70 93 Yes discussed 11 30 7 No did not discuss 0 0 0 Don t know * * * Refused n=530 n=199 n=331 30 d Condoms and other ways to prevent pregnancy or disease if you became sexually active 71 53 75 Yes discussed 29 47 25 No did not discuss * 0 * Don t know * * 0 Refused n=530 n=199 n=331 e Whether to wait to have sex until you are married 86 81 88 Yes discussed 13 19 12 No did not discuss 1 0 1 Don t know * * 0 Refused n=530 n=199 n=331 f Ethical, moral and religious considerations about sexual activities 88 83 90 Yes discussed 11 17 10 No did not discuss * 0 * Don t know * * 0 Refused n=530 n=199 n=331 Q43 Did you have this conversation or these conversations as a result of a topic of a class or program at your child s school, or not? Based on those who have had a conversation about one or more sensitive topics 25 35 22 Yes 75 64 77 No 1 1 1 Don t know * 0 * Refused n=525 n=195 n=330 30

Q44 When your (INSERT GRADE LEVEL SELECTED IN Q31) grade child begins to date, or if your child is now dating, how much do you want to know about this part of his / her life? Do you want to know nearly everything, a lot, some, or not much about (Insert)? Based on those with one or more children in grades 7-12 a who your child is dating 57 59 56 Nearly everything 35 36 35 A lot 7 5 8 Some 1 0 1 Not much * * 0 Don t know n=821 n=335 n=486 31 b where your child is going on a date and when your child will return 75 80 74 Nearly everything 22 18 24 A lot 2 2 2 Some 1 0 1 Not much * 1 0 Don t know n=821 n=335 n=486 c how intimate your child is with the person he or she is dating 54 62 52 Nearly everything 29 24 30 A lot 11 10 12 Some 4 2 5 Not much 1 1 1 Don t know n=821 n=335 n=486 31

Q45 What concerns you MOST about your own (INSERT GRADE LEVEL SELECTED IN Q31) grade child ever having sexual intercourse? Responses were read and rotated Based on those with one or more children in grades 7-12 23 27 22 That they might get HIV/AIDS 6 4 7 That they might get sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS 23 23 23 That they might get pregnant or get someone else pregnant 36 34 36 That they might have sexual intercourse before they are psychologically and emotionally ready 1 1 1 Other (specify) (VOL) 3 2 3 None (VOL) 6 4 6 All of them (VOL) 3 5 2 Don t know (VOL) * * * Refused (VOL) n=821 n=335 n=486 32 Q46 Compared with your parents when you were growing up, do you think you have been or would be more open with your children about sex and sexual issues in general, less open, or about as open as your parents were with you? Based on those who have children 83 83 89 More open 1 2 1 Less open 14 14 9 About the same 1 * 1 Don t know n=1433 n=335 n=486 32

Q47 Do you think that schools are doing a better job today teaching sex education than they did when you were in school, did a better job teaching sex ed when you were in school, or are doing about the same now as they did when you were in school? 58 62 67 Better job today 5 5 7 Better job when you were in school 23 20 20 About the same 15 13 6 Don t know * * * Refused 33 Q48 Overall, would you say your parents did a very good job, a good job, a fair job or a poor job in talking to you about sexual issues when you were growing up? 36 33 25 Very good/good (NET) 12 8 7 Very good job 23 23 16 Good job 62 65 75 Fair/poor (NET) 21 20 26 Fair job 41 49 51 Poor job 2 * * Don t know * * 0 Refused Q49 Overall, would you say your school did a very good job, a good job, a fair job or a poor job in educating you about sexual issues when you were growing up? 22 20 19 Very good/good (NET) 4 4 4 Very good job 18 16 15 Good job 73 80 80 Fair/poor (NET) 26 29 30 Fair job 47 49 50 Poor job 4 1 1 Don t know * 0 * Refused Q50 How familiar are you with the sex education programs in your community s schools? Would you say you are very familiar, somewhat familiar, not too familiar, or not at all familiar? 45 50 66 Very/somewhat familiar (NET) 12 17 22 Very familiar 33 37 48 Somewhat familiar 54 50 33 Not too/not at all familiar (NET) 21 27 18 Not too familiar 33 19 11 Not familiar at all 1 1 1 Don t know 33

Q51 If a candidate for school board substantially disagreed with you about how sex ed should be taught in the schools, would this alone determine your vote, or are other issues more important? 35 42 39 This alone would determine my vote 57 53 56 Other issues are more important 9 5 4 Don t know * 0 * Refused n=857 n=155 n=225 34 Q52 If a candidate for governor substantially disagreed with you about how sex ed should be taught in the schools, would this alone determine your vote, or are other issues more important? 22 13 32 This alone would determine my vote 71 78 65 Other issues are more important 6 7 3 Don t know 1 2 1 Refused n=902 n=180 n=261 D1 Sex (observation) 46 51 41 Male 54 49 59 Female D2 What is your age? 37 42 20 18-39 33 53 66 40-54 29 4 13 55+ 1 * * Refused 34

D3 Are you married, living with a partner, widowed, divorced, separated, or have you never been married? 57 81 82 Married 6 3 5 Living with a partner 9 2 2 Widowed 9 11 9 Divorced 2 1 2 Separated 16 3 1 Never been married 0 0 0 Don t know 35 D4 What is the last grade or class you completed in school? Responses were not read 3 4 * None, or grade 1-8 11 12 10 High school incomplete (grades 9-11) 33 21 30 High school graduate (grade 12 or GED certificate) 2 4 4 Business, technical or vocational school after high school 24 24 25 Some college, no four-year degree 17 23 17 College graduate (BS, BA or other four-year degree) 10 12 13 Post-graduate training or professional schooling after college (e.g., toward a master s degree or PhD, law or medical school) 0 0 0 Don t know D5 Are you of Hispanic or Latino background, such as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or some other Latin American background? 11 11 11 Yes 88 88 88 No 1 2 * Don t know * 0 * Refused D6 What is your race? (If Latino ask:) Are you white Latino, black Latino or some other race? (Else:) Are you white, African American or black, Asian or some other race? 80 82 81 White/White Latino 11 11 11 African American/Black/Black Latino 2 2 1 Asian 5 4 6 Other (Specify) 1 * * Don t know 1 * 1 Refused 35

D7 Last year, that is in 2002, what was your total household income from all sources before taxes? Was it over or under $25,000? 22 12 8 Under $25,000 70 83 87 Over $25,000 3 1 1 Don t know 5 4 4 Refused 36 D8 Now just stop me when I get to the right category. Was your income... Responses were read Based on those whose income is less than $25,000 26 NA NA Less than $10,000 19 NA NA $10,000 to under $15,000 25 NA NA $15,000 to under $20,000 or 24 NA NA $20,000 to under $25,000 3 NA NA Don t know 3 NA NA Refused n=280 n=29 n=43 NOTE: Data is not available for subgroups with sample sizes under 100 respondents. D9 Now just stop me when I get to the right category. Was your income... Responses were read Based on those whose income is more than $25,000 9 8 9 $25,000 to under $30,000 9 5 8 $30,000 to under $35,000 13 13 9 $35,000 to under $40,000 12 14 13 $40,000 to under $50,000 23 25 21 $50,000 to under $75,000 15 16 15 $75,000 to under $100,000 or 15 16 22 $100,000 or more 1 * * Don t know 3 3 3 Refused n=1365 n=290 n=419 D10 Do you consider yourself a Christian? 83 84 89 Yes 16 15 11 No 1 0 1 Don t know * * 0 Refused 36

D11 Would you consider yourself a born-again or evangelical Christian, or not? Based on Christians 39 44 41 Yes 55 53 58 No 5 3 * Don t know * 1 * Refused n=1482 n=290 n=425 37 D12 With respect to the abortion issue in general, would you consider yourself to be pro-choice or pro-life? 43 46 44 Pro-choice 48 49 48 Pro-life 7 3 7 Don t know 1 2 1 Refused D13 Some people are registered to vote and others are not. Are you currently registered to vote at your present address? 78 88 87 Yes registered 22 12 13 No not registered 1 * * Don t know D14 In politics today, do you consider yourself a Republican, a Democrat, an Independent, or something else? 32 38 35 Republican 32 27 33 Democrat 21 19 21 Independent 11 13 9 Something else 3 2 1 Don t know 1 1 2 Refused 37

D15 As of today do you lean more toward the Republican Party or the Democratic Party? Based on those who are not Republican or Democrat 23 30 23 Republican 31 27 35 Democrat 33 34 31 Neither 9 5 7 Don t know 3 5 3 Refused n=610 n=119 n=157 38 D16 Would you say your views in most political matters are liberal, moderate, conservative, something else, or haven't you given this much thought? 19 18 23 Liberal 25 25 25 Moderate 24 26 28 Conservative 2 3 2 Something else 26 26 19 Haven't you given this much thought 3 1 2 Don t know * * 1 Refused 38